I have always liked the sound and feel of wooden snowshoes; they float higher on the snow, and I find them more satisfying to use than the aluminum ones. Today, my trail companions and I strapped on our webs and went out into the softwoods for snowshoe hare hunting. Following a snowmobile trail out through a covered corn field, I was glad when we made it into the tree-line as I had felt the strong wind for long enough and was ready to get off the path and warm up.
We were not able to find any tracks so we decided to check a group of low-growing juniper bushes– I felt like I was walking on a spring mattress as I tried to jump out any hares that may have been hiding under the cave-like branches. With very limited sign, my trail companions and I were wondering how this hunting spot would be this year. After some time, we found a section of forest that was heavily tracked with snowshoe hare– it was not fresh, but encouraging. It is unfortunate that we did not come home with anything today, but it is always nice to get out onto the snow and spend time in good company.
Bradford Angier compiled an abundance of information covering fire making, wild edibles, navigation and more to help campers survive in the woods.
John Ford, retired Maine game warden, comically shares many of his fortunes and misfortunes while working in the field.
Annette Jackson tells us of her experiences living in the north Maine woods as a game warden's wife in the 1930s.
Michelle Souliere covers strange Maine tales and mysteries ranging from witches to the Loup-Garou.
With hunting season in full swing, Delorme's Atlas and Gazetteer will help you plan a trip, or get from here to there.
Gil Gilpatrick outlines basic outdoor skills for anyone looking to increase their knowledge in planning and packing for a wilderness canoe trip.
Joyce Butler writes of the historical Maine fire that raged in 1947 , burning 200,000 acres including many coastal homes and communities.
Paul Fournier shares stories of being a guide and bush pilot, as well as assisting in the failed reintroduction of caribou in Maine.
Donn Fendler shares his story about being lost on Katahdin, Maine's largest mountain, when he was 12 years of age.
February 2012
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I sure could have used a pair the other day.
Alan- They sure do come in handy.
Looks like an exciting hunt! I’ve always liked hunting after a snow, even though it seems to be a rare occurrence here at home any more. It always amazes me to see all the different tracks and find out just how many animals are out about in the woods I hunt.
Joseph- It was great afternoon spent out in the woods.
It amazes me too how busy the woods can be at times, while other times silent.
Nice day out buddy. No hare’s but a bag full of great memories and beautiful scenery images ain’t bad either.
It certainly was OE.
You are right, it is always nice to walk out with something but I tend to remember the scenery and company more than I do the game.
Nice story Pete,
I have to go out snowshoeing very soon, I am fortunate to be able to head out of my backyard and have many trails and a couple of large corn fields to enjoy, you have inspired me to get going! we also cross country ski the perimeter of the fields, nothing like our Maine outdoors!
Thanks, Therese
Thank you Therese.
You are right, there is nothing like the Maine outdoors.
Have fun snowshoeing and cross country skiing!
i have a nice pair of iver johnsons i will be using very soon. i need to make new straps first.
Derek- Very nice, I am sure you can’t wait to get out on them.
Good luck with the straps- I would love to see some pictures of the finished product.
One day i will own a pair of snowshoes like that…. and the matching wool US army jacket.
But for now I’ll have to learn how to use skis first.
Saw plenty of wildlife evidence myself yesterday and it does make one’s heart beat a bit faster.
Ron- They are a great pair for deep snow.
I do not own any skis but I imagine they would be a lot of fun to use.
It is always a more exciting time out when you have some snow and can see how busy the woods are.
All the best and keep up the skiing!
Peter I would not have taken you for anything else but a wooden snow shoe kind of guy. Another very enjoyable post..
Mike- Thank you.
It seems as though you have figured me out.
Nice shoes! I enjoy a good snowshoe trek from time to time as well.
Thank you WW- I do like them a lot.
They can take you so many places after the snow falls.